Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
“Okay, we’re ready!” I announced. Minutes later, we all headed out the door.
Mom and Dad decided to drive with us, so we took my car and Brody drove. Once we got to the restaurant, Pete himself sat us. He led us outside to the deck, which had been closed-in for the season with heat lamps stationed around, so it was nice and warm. There were only two other tables out there, so it wasn’t as loud as the main dining room.
Pete grinned after he asked us what we wanted to drink. “I’ll have those drinks brought out as well as some appetizers on the house.”
“Aw, thanks so much, Pete!” I said with a smile.
Brody shook his cousin’s hand. “Thanks, Pete.”
“Sure thing. Enjoy your dinner.”
After our drinks and appetizers were on the table, I took a deep breath and got ready to tell my parents what Brody had learned about Jack.
Before I got the chance, though, a strange feeling creeped up my spine. I shivered and reached for Brody’s hand.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I just had a weird feeling, that’s all.”
“You mentioned you had something to tell us in the car, Sutton?” Mom asked. “Your last surprise threw me for a loop, I won’t lie. But I will say I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.”
My father nodded. “I agree with your mother. Brody, you seem to make my daughter very happy, and for that, I thank you.”
Brody’s cheeks flushed, and it was adorable.
“You’re right. I’ve never been happier, and it’s all because of Brody,” I replied as I squeezed his hand in mine. “But, Brody found out some information…on Jack.”
Both of my parents sat up straighter.
“Oh?” Dad asked with a cautious expression. “What did you find out?”
I took a deep breath, glanced around to make sure no one was listening, and lowered my voice a bit. “He was already married to another woman when we got married. And he has two kids with her.”
My mother’s face went white, and my father sat back in his chair and folded his arms, his expression thunderous. “I’m going to kill that asshole,” Dad growled.
My mother and Brody both said, “Get in line.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I know it’s shocking. But the good news is, it looks like he isn’t a legal owner of Coastal Chic, so I most likely will not have to buy him out.”
“Oh, Sutton!” my mother exclaimed. “That would be amazing.”
“I know. I can pay you and Dad back, then put a big chunk down on the mortgage for the store.”
My father shook his head, clearly still in shock. “He has kids?”
Brody spoke this time. “She was older than him, they met in college, and she got pregnant. He married her, then she went back to France.”
Mom gasped. “Is that why he was always going over there?”
I nodded. “I think so.”
“Does she know about you?”
Shrugging, I replied, “I don’t know, and I don’t care. We called my lawyer and sent over copies of everything Brody found. We should hear something back soon. I’m hoping early next week.”
My father picked up his glass. “This is a reason to celebrate.”
We all lifted our glasses and toasted.
Mom added, “Now, let’s just hope the little prick goes back to France and leaves you in peace.”
Brody choked on his beer as I let out a roar of laughter.
Dad lifted his beer once again. “I’ll drink to that too!”
Brody
Gannon adjusted the sleeves of his tux for the hundredth time while Braxton and I sat on the sofa watching him.
“Gannon, your tux is fine,” Brax said. “The weather is amazing, and you’re about to marry the love of your life. Why are you pacing and acting like a freak?”
With a sigh, Gannon faced his soon-to-be brother-in-law. “When you marry the love of your life, then you can tell me how to act. I just want everything to be perfect for Addie.”
Brax sat back on the couch. “The only thing she cares about is marrying you.”
Gannon smiled. “Thanks, Brax.” Turning to me, he asked, “Did you do a walk-around? How’s it look out there?”
“I did. Twice. Everything’s all set up for the ceremony and the reception.”
“Heaters?”
Braxton answered, “I checked them like three times. They’re working.”
Gannon looked back at me. “Ring?”
Patting my tux jacket, I replied, “Right here.”
He turned to Brax again. “How’s your sister doing?”
He laughed. “Which one?”
Gannon shot him a dirty look. “The one I’m marrying.”
“I checked in on her earlier, and she was ecstatic. She was about to put her dress on.”
A wide smile spread across Gannon’s face. “I can’t wait to see her.”
“I’m sure she’s going to look beautiful,” I said.
“I know she will. I just wish my heart would stop pounding. I don’t know why I’m so damn nervous.”
Braxton kicked his feet up on the coffee table and put his hands behind his head. “This is why I’ll never get married.”